Horse barging and spinning when led?

[TheBayThoroughbred]

Hi everyone,

One of my boys can be rather difficult to lead and do groundwork with, and I’m hoping I can get some advice. He’s an angel if he’s relaxed/being led with other horses, but if I am trying to do groundwork with him one on one, or even lead him across fields, he becomes very pushy. He cuts me off, pins ears and pulls faces, dances around in circles, etc. None of it has been dangerous, but obviously it is definitely not enjoyable or safe!! We’ve only been doing simple groundwork, poll flexion and some basic transitions, but after around ten minutes he decides he’s had enough and throws a little tantrum.

I don’t know if this is due to frustration or boredom, or something else? I’ve done a lot of groundwork before, and I’m always quick with rewards and pressure release, and I’ve been using either a rope halter or head collar with a 12ft lead rope (I haven’t noticed a difference between the halter and head collar).

I am very reluctant to use a gadget like a dually or chiffney, since his problems are mostly during groundwork, and I have also found that he does not respond at all well to hard pressure.

He’s just turned 5, but he was raced until 3 and then turned out for a year, so I’m not surprised his ground manners aren’t perfect, but he does lead and tie very politely when he’s relaxed and there are other horses.

If anyone has advice or groundwork exercises that could help keep him from playing bumper cars with me, it would be much appreciated!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would shorten your sessions so that you choose when to finish, not him. Then when he is used to that gradually lengthen your sessions. As for leading back to the field, I would probably use a bridle until his manners are established. Having said that, I normally use a very simple rope halter, with a schoolng whip to act as a barrier, for bargy horses

 

[Landcruiser]

Watch some Steve Young videos.
You say it's not been dangerous - it's only a matter of time. I'd always say a rope halter and long rope is best for groundwork. You can use the tail end of the rope to create a space around/behind you when leading, and insist horse stays out of your space.

 

[Identityincrisis]

I would lead him in a headslip and bit, easy to put on and off, less faff than a bridle, and gives you much more control than a headcollar which are pretty useless when horses are full of themselves

 

[JackFrost]

The behaviour, cutting you off, dancing round you, sounds like he wants to be the one in charge and thinks you are the one who needs the groundwork. So he tolerates YOUR silly behaviour for a while, then decides he needs to put you in your place . I would suggest focus on the basics of groundwork as in who is leading the dance (not him). He's young and a bit immature, and I agree that more drastic gadgets and force won't solve the basic issue. It might be worth getting in a good groundwork professional for a couple of sessions, to see if he is the same with them or offers them more respect, and for them to watch how you are interacting with him.

 

[Lois Lame]

I worry about the 'poll flexion'. I wonder what you mean by that and why it might be necessary.

 

[sbloom]

I would want to eliminate pain, stress, confusion etc first. Often the problem is only seen at first with the least favourite activity, or when anxious when separated, travelling etc.